51 Gift Ideas for Every Camper on Your List!

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Do you have a few happy campers on your holiday shopping list? You’re in luck because we’ve collected the best camping gift ideas right here in one place!

A man wearing a red plaid shirt holding three wrapped gifts

Camping has such a wonderful way of bringing people together and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

That’s why camping gear makes such a wonderful holiday gift. Not only does it enhance people’s outdoor experience, but it encourages them to look forward to sunny days, cozy campfires, and toasty s’mores (which we could all use a little bit of during the long, dark winter!).

Struggling to find the perfect camping gift? Well, you’re in luck, because below we share a curated list that features our favorite camping gear of the year. This isn’t some mishmash of products–we selected each of these items based on either our own personal experience with it or our own personal desire to receive it as a gift ourselves! 

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We’re sure you will find something they will love and start checking off your shopping to-do list today!

The Best Camping Gifts for 2021

Folded striped blanket

Pendleton Yakima Camp Blanket

I received a Pendleton blanket a few years back and it has accompanied me on many camping trips since. The Yakima Camp Blanket is made from a wool-cotton blend, so it carries the warmth of wool while still feeling soft.

NEMO Stargaze Chair product image

NEMO Stargaze Recliner Luxury Chair

The NEMO Stargaze Recliner is an ultra-comfortable camp chair that smoothly moves between upright and reclined positions or can be used as a rocking chair. It packs down so it’s easy to store and comes with a few great features like drink holders and a cushioned headrest.

Stanley cocktail shaker product image

Stanley Happy Hour Set

Always be prepared for a party! The Adventure Happy Hour Shaker Set includes 2 rocks glasses and a citrus reamer that nest inside the shaker. Its rugged construction means you can easily toss it with the rest of the camping gear without worrying about it.

Vuori Halo Hoodie product image

Vouri Halo Hoodie 

This hoodie is absolutely AMAZING. The buttery soft, moisture-wicking, breathable fabric makes it a perfect mid-layer for hanging out around the campfire. 

Pie Iron product image

Rome Pie Iron

A pie iron is a fun gift idea for any camp chef who loves to get creative over the campfire! They are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and they’re just a ton of fun. We’ve made pizza pockets, sandwiches, and cinnamon rolls before, but there are so many more variations to try.

Jackery Explorer 240 product image

Jackery 240 Explorer Power Station

The Jackery 240 Power Station is a lightweight, lithium-ion charge station that is perfect for weekend camping trips. Charge cell phones, headlamps, and speakers using the built-in USB ports, or engage the 120V inverter to power a small food processor, string lights, or fan. The power station can be charged at home or hooked up to solar panels for indefinite power.

Tent lamps product image

Fly2Sky Tent Lamps

These battery-powered, dimmable LED tent lights are a perfect way to add a little extra illumination to the inside of your tent or under your pop-top canopy. 

Better Sweater Quarter Zip Better Sweater Quarter Zip product image

Patagonia Better Sweater (Men’s & Women’s)

This super cozy fleece sweater from Patagonia is made from 100% recycled polyester. I personally received this sweater as a holiday gift a couple of years ago and I’m still singing its praises! Available in Men’s and Women’s versions. 

GSI Escape Pot product image

GSI Outdoors Escape HS Pot & Frypan Set

This collapsible silicone pot and fry pan set have been one of our favorite camp cookware upgrades this year. When expanded it’s a 3-liter pot, when collapsed it’s only 3” thick. It is a tremendous space-savings and makes packing up our camp kitchen all that much easier. 

Pendleton Adventure Sock product image

Pendleton Adventure Sock

These cozy wool socks feature Pendleton’s iconic National Park-inspired color patterns. 

Folding bamboo table product image

Atepa Folding Bamboo Camp Table

This collapsible bamboo camp table is a super versatile piece of camp furniture. The adjustable legs allow it to be set at coffee table height or at dinner table height. When it’s time to pack up, the entire table folds down to the size of a single plank.

Kelty Loveseat product image

Kelty Low Foldable Loveseat

Grab your partner, a blanket, and snuggle up next to the campfire with his foldable loveseat

High camp flask product image

High Camp Flasks

These are by far the classiest-looking camp flasks we’ve ever seen. If there is a special somebody in your life that enjoys a nice drink in an outdoor setting, then this gift will really show your appreciation for all the good times.

Thermapen product image

Thermapen

Why guess when the steaks are done when you can have the power to know! Using an instant thermometer is the easiest way to get perfectly cooked food, every time. We have been using the Thermapen for well over a year now and have nothing but good things to report.

Portable drip coffee maker

GSI Ultralight Java Drip Coffee Maker

We have been really impressed by this lightweight and compact pour-over stand. It comes with a nylon reusable filter but is also compatible with paper filters as well.

REI 650 Vest product image

REI Co-op 650 Vest (men’s, women’s, plus-sizes)

Vests are a great insulating layer for fall when the temperatures are cool but not freezing cold. You can retain a lot of freedom of movement in your arms while keeping your core warm.  I bought this REI 650 Vest this year and have been loving it. The 650 down fill keeps me toasty, the recycled nylon feels great, and the large baffled stitching has a great vintage look.

Teva ReEmber Mocs product image

Teva ReEmber Camp Shoes (Men’s & Women’s)

The advantages of having a cozy pair of slip-on camping shoes are immense. It makes getting in and out of the tent so much easier! These Teva ReEmber camp shoes have a comfy insulated top, but sturdy rubberized soles – making them perfect for hanging out around the campground.

Biolite headlamp product image

Biolite Headlamp

Whether it’s late-night grilling at home or camping out in the woods, it’s critical that you’re able to see what you’re doing. This rechargeable headlamp from BioLite is a perfect hands-free, directional light source. 

Coffee mug product image

Hydro Flask Coffee Mug

We love these double-walled, insulated coffee mugs. They keep coffee at the perfect temperature all morning long!

Jetboil product image

Jetboil MiniMo

Not only is the Jetboil MiniMo one of our top backpacking stove picks, but we also love to use it in the front country for rapidly boiling water for coffee and tea. It’s a super versatile stove with an incredibly fast boil time – even in windy conditions. 

REI Sahara Thermal Shirt product image

REI Co-op Sahara Thermal Shirt 

This is a perfect cool-weather camping shirt. While it looks like a classic flannel button-up the fabric is actually moisture-wicking, breathable, and has a slightly elastic for ease of movement. Great for hanging out around camp or going for a hike. Available in Men’s, Women’s, Plus and Tall sizing as well. 

National Parks Pass product image

National Parks Pass

Products can be useful, but meaningful experiences will last a lifetime. Purchase a National Parks Pass and go on an adventure the whole family will remember. Just one pass gets you into every National Park & Monument, as well as National Forests, Grasslands, and plenty of other recreation sites across the country for an entire year.

Smartwool 250 Quarter Zip product image

Smartwool Merino 250 Quarter Zip (men’s & women’s)

We own a couple of these Smartwool Merino 250 Quarter Zips and they have definitely made our camping experience much cozier. We often use them as base layers when we’re hiking because the wool fabric is moisture-wicking, breathable, and odor-resistant.

Solo Stove Bonfire product image

Solo Stove Bonfire 

Now you can enjoy a campfire right in your own backyard! But without all the smoke! The Solo Stove Bonfire is an award-winning portable wood fire pit, whose unique design allows for easy-to-light fires that are virtually smoke-free. We didn’t believe it until we saw it in person, but this firepit delivers an incredibly clean burn.

Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad product image

Nemo Tensor Insulated Air Mattress

Of all the backpacking sleeping pads we’ve slept on, the NEMO Tensor is our favorite. It’s super cushy and comfy, easy to inflate, packs down small, and most importantly, it’s QUIET (other popular mattresses are notoriously crinkly)! This would be a perfect gift for campers or backpackers who need a lightweight option for a great night’s sleep.

Roice sweater product image

Marmot Roice Sweatshirt

This cozy sweatshirt is stylish enough that I wear it around town, while still being totally functional to wear at a campsite. It’s been one of my favorite wardrobe additions this year.

Hydro Flask Insulated Bowls product image

Hydro Flask Insulated Bowls 

Hydroflask’s new line of insulated bowls allows you to enjoy a steaming hot bowl of soup for longer! Using the same double-walled vacuum-sealed technology as their water bottles and mugs, these bowls keep your food hot even on a cool evening. They also feature tight-fitting lids to trap heat even longer and allow them to double as self-contained food storage. 

Katadyn BeFree Bottle and filter product image

Katadyn BeFree Water Filter 

Turn nearly any natural water source into clean, drinkable water.  The Katadyn BeFree Water Filter is our top pick for filtering water for hiking because of how easy it is to use and how compact it is to carry.

Fjallraven Tab Hat beanie product image

Fjallraven Tab Hat

You can never have too many cozy camping beanies. This Fjallraven Tab Hat is made from thermally-insulating wool and offers a clean Scandinavian style. 

REI Camp Boss chair product image

REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Boss Chair and Underquilt Bundle

Michael and I both own these Flexlite Camp chairs and love them. But this bundle is even better! It comes with an underquilt that can be attached to the back of the chair to keep your backside warm. 

LL Bean Camp Slippers product image

L.L. Bean Waterproof Insulated Camp Slip-On

We are big fans of comfy camp shoes, but for those camping in wetter climates – like the PNW – some extra weather protection would be nice. These Camp Slip-Ons from L.L. Bean are waterproof and insulated to keep your toes warm and dry. 

ENO Hammock product image

Eno Nest Hammock 

Give the gift of relaxation with the ENO Nest Hammock. There is no more satisfying way to “commune with nature” than by taking a mid-afternoon nap in a hammock. Listen to the songs of the birds, the rustle of the leaves, as you gently rock to sleep.  

Vuori Ponto Crew Sweater product image

Vuori Ponto Performance Crew Sweater (men’s)

This lightweight, long-sleeve sweatshirt by Vuori is another great mid-layer option. The synthetic fabric has all the active performance you’d expect plus a subtle elasticity, that allows for total freedom of movement. 

RTIC 45 Cooler product image

RTIC Cooler 

We recently upgraded from an undersized and overpriced cooler and got ourselves a properly sized and reasonably priced RTIC 45 hard-sided cooler. With a nearly identical construction, this cooler has been a tremendous value that performs every bit as good as a YETI. In fact, how you pack your cooler has much more to do with ice longevity than the brand name associated.

Grey jacket product image

Patagonia Re-Tool Pullover Sweater (women’s)

This is the sweater I reach for the most once the weather turns chilly—it is super soft and cozy, and I love the pocket detail!

Omnia oven product image

Omnia Stove Top Oven 

The Omnia Stove Top Oven has been one of the best “upgrades” we have made to our camp kitchen setup. Its innovative design allows us to bake using one of the burners of our camp stove. With an Omnia stovetop oven, cinnamon rolls, fresh bread, and even a tray of nachos can be yours with just a click of the stove (read more about this genius piece of equipment here).

Sylvan Sport camp kitchen product image

Dine O Max SylvanSport Camp Kitchen 

This is the ultimate portable “camp kitchen” setup! Featuring two large bamboo countertops, lightweight aluminum construction, water-resistant fabric, steel windscreen, and a variety of other high-end features, the Dine O Max Camp Kitchen is guaranteed to enhance your outdoor cooking experience. 

Aeropress product image

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Maker 

Improving on their (near perfect) original coffee maker, the Aeropress Go is designed specifically for portability. All the pieces you need to brew an incredible cup of coffee now nest together inside of a travel mug. Perfect for camping trips, hikes, road trips, or anywhere else that could be enhanced by a great cup of coffee.

Brown Blundstone boots

Blundstone Thermal Boots

Waterproof and insulated with Thinsulate and cozy sheep’s wool, the Blundstone Thermal Boots are great for wearing around town and around the campsite.

Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill product image

Weber Q1200 Portable Gas Grill 

With fire bans becoming more and more prevalent in the West, investing in a good portable gas grill is perhaps the best way to simulate “campfire cooking” without having an actual campfire. This Weber Q1200 is one of the best portable BBQs on the market. Just one look around any RV park and you’ll quickly see this is a must-have piece of camp cooking gear. 

Patagonia Fjord Flannel product image

Patagonia Fjord Flannel

For years I’ve never had a flannel shirt I was happy with until I discovered Patagonia’s Fjord Flannels. Perfect fit, perfect weight, and timeless colorways. I have received a few of these as gifts the past few holidays and have loved each and every one of them.

Darn Tough socks product image

Darn Tough Socks 

Can anyone have too many wool socks? The answer is a resounding NO! Darn Tough socks have been a mainstay of our sock drawer for years and we look forward every holiday season to adding a few more to our collection. 

Merrel camp slip ons product image

Merrell Nova Moc

Another comfy camp shoe option, these Merrell Nova Mocs combine casual slip-on comfort with some serious Vibram treads for great traction.  

Ignik fire pit product image

Ignik FireCan Portable Fire Pit

Sometimes you want the ambiance of a campfire, but without the setup and smoke. (like during a fire ban). The Ignik FireCan portable fire pit is a propane-powered “campfire” that can be used anywhere propane stoves are allowed. Campgrounds, tailgates, snow parks, etc. 

Vuori Performance Joggers product image

Vouri Performance Jogger Pants

Breathable, moisture-wicking, and UNBELIEVABLY soft, these jogger pants from Vouri are the epitome of camp cozy. I just can’t get over how comfortable they are. The semi-loose, casual fit means you’ve got a little latitude in selecting the right size. Available for men and women.

Lems Boulder Boot

Lems Boulder Boot

Michael picked up a pair of Lems boots last year and has been super happy with them. They’re fashionable enough for around town, tough enough to be worn around camp, and super comfy. And unlike other designer boots, they don’t cost a small fortune.

Rumpl blanket product image

Rumpl Blanket 

Whether curled up in the tent or wrapped up in a camp chair, there is no companion we’d rather have than a Rumpl Blanket. This blanket has the silky soft feel and insulation of a sleeping bag but in the form of a blanket. Yes, please! 

Patagonia Synchilla jacket product image

Patagonia Synchilla Fleece

This warm yet lightweight pullover fleece has a soft and cozy fabric you just want to curl up in. Perfect for taking the edge of a chilly evening or shoulder-season hike. 

Verve Seabright product image

Verve Instant Craft Coffee 

Welcome to the age of gourmet craft instant coffee! Now you can enjoy a stellar cup of coffee just by adding water. We love Verve roasters – especially their Seabright blend – and would be thrilled to receive some of their instant coffee in our stockings this year! 

Ignik propane canister product image

Ignite Gas Growler 

Kick your addiction to those green disposable propane bottles and get yourself set up with a reusable propane tank. Not only will you help cut down on waste, but the cost of propane is so much less when purchased in bulk. Propane fills are available at most gas stations or U-haul locations.

Why gift cards might be the best option

So if you’ve reached this point of the guide and you’re still scratching your head about what to get, allow us to offer a suggestion: gift cards. 

Buying camping gear can be really challenging. There are a lot of different product options, from different brands, with different tech specs—making it really hard to know what is the right thing to get.  And, campers often have strong opinions about what they would or wouldn’t find useful. Trust us, we know—we’re those types of people!

So rather than trying to anticipate exactly what piece of equipment or clothing would be “right”, acknowledge there isn’t any way for you to truly know (aside from asking for the exact product number) and, instead, give that person the power to make their own decisions. This is the beauty and simplicity of a gift card. 

Here are a few of our favorite outdoor retailers that we would recommend getting a gift card from: 

REI Co-Op: The nation’s largest outdoor retailer with over 100 store locations nationwide and an extensive online store, chances are if it’s an outdoor camping-related product, REI has it. They also have an incredible return/exchange policy, which makes them our number one pick.

Backcountry: This online outdoor retailer has an extensive selection of gear and clothing. They have a toll-free number and live chat feature, you can use to talk to one of their EXTREMELY knowledgeable customer service reps about any of their products. Perfect for anyone where going to an in-store location is not an option. 

Huckberry: For the more fashion-minded individual, Huckberry offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, and some gear that have a high-end outdoor aesthetic. You won’t find super technical recreational equipment there, but if looking good outside is a priority, then Huckberry has you covered.

If you need more gift ideas, be sure to check out our outdoor gifts for women, the best gifts for hikers, and gifts for outdoorsmen.

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5 Comments

    1. We use those gloves *all* the time. We even have a pair that we keep in the house – so much easier to handle pots and baking sheets with those than with those bulky oven mitts. Hope your brother in law loves them as much as we do!

  1. Can fully recommend the sink bucket. Took on holiday with me recently and folded up a treat in my suitcase!

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  3. i like these products, and i use theme everytime im out
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